In over 15 years of practice treating patients in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and now on Madison Avenue in New York City I have recommended one at-home product more consistently than any other. Not a serum. Not a device. Not a supplement.
A peel.
Specifically, a weekly lactic acid peel. And the reason I recommend it to virtually every patient from those seeking their first aesthetic treatment to those who have been in my chair for years and whose skin I know as well as my own is that nothing else in at-home skincare produces the same consistent, compounding improvement in skin quality with so little risk and so little effort.
The faces I work with demand results. My patients expect their skin to look exceptional not just on the day of a treatment, but every day, in every light, in every photograph. A weekly peel is the foundation that makes everything else work better and last longer. It is the step that most people skip, and the step that makes the most difference.
This is the Dr. Cris Studio AHA Peeling Concentrate — The Reveal Peel. Here is why it is my secret weapon.
What a Chemical Peel Actually Does
A chemical peel works by applying an acid to the skin surface to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating their shedding and revealing the fresher, more even skin beneath.
The skin naturally sheds dead cells through a process called desquamation. In young, healthy skin, this cycle takes approximately 28 days. As we age and as the skin is affected by sun damage, hormonal changes, and environmental stress this cycle slows. Dead cells accumulate on the surface, creating the dullness, uneven texture, and congestion that most patients describe as their skin “looking tired.”
A chemical peel accelerates this cycle. By dissolving the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface, it allows the skin to shed more efficiently revealing the newer, more luminous cells beneath and triggering the skin’s repair response, which includes increased collagen synthesis and cellular renewal.
The depth of this effect and the degree of visible peeling and downtime depends entirely on the type of acid used, its concentration, and the pH of the formula.
The Spectrum of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exist on a spectrum from superficial to deep:
- Superficial peels — AHAs (lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) at lower concentrations. They work on the outermost layers of the epidermis. Minimal to no visible peeling. Suitable for at-home use. No downtime.
- Medium-depth peels — higher-concentration AHAs, TCA at 20–35%. Visible peeling for 5–7 days. Performed in-clinic only.
- Deep peels — high-concentration TCA or phenol. Significant recovery. Reserved for significant sun damage, deep wrinkles, or scarring.
The Reveal Peel sits firmly in the superficial category which is exactly where a weekly at-home treatment should sit. Superficial peels used consistently over time produce cumulative results that rival medium-depth peels used occasionally, without the recovery, the risk, or the cost.
Why Lactic Acid Is the Gold Standard for At-Home Exfoliation
Of all the AHAs available in skincare, lactic acid is the one I recommend most consistently for at-home use — and the one I chose as the primary active in The Reveal Peel.
It exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously. Lactic acid is a larger molecule than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates more slowly and more gently reducing the risk of irritation while still delivering effective exfoliation. It is also a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin as it exfoliates. This is the mechanism that allows The Reveal Peel to resurface the skin overnight without the dryness and tightness that many patients associate with acid exfoliation.
It is clinically effective for pigmentation. Lactic acid inhibits tyrosinase the same enzyme targeted by Vitamin C reducing melanin production and fading existing dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. At 10%, it is one of the most effective at-home concentrations for visible pigmentation improvement.
It stimulates collagen. Beyond surface exfoliation, lactic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis in the dermis improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines with consistent use.
It is well-tolerated across skin types. Including oily, combination, normal, and sensitive skin. Its larger molecular size and humectant properties make it significantly more tolerable than glycolic acid at equivalent concentrations.
The Reveal Peel: What’s in It and Why
The Dr. Cris Studio AHA Peeling Concentrate was formulated as a weekly overnight reset a treatment that delivers meaningful exfoliation, brightening, and renewal without compromising the skin’s barrier or requiring downtime.
10% Lactic Acid
The primary active. At 10%, lactic acid delivers effective surface exfoliation, accelerates cellular turnover, fades pigmentation, and stimulates collagen all in a single overnight application. This is the concentration at which clinical studies consistently demonstrate visible improvement in skin texture, tone, and fine lines with regular use.
1% Hyaluronic Acid
The counterbalance. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and maintains hydration throughout the exfoliation process preventing the dryness and barrier disruption that can accompany acid use. This is the formulation decision that allows The Reveal Peel to be used as a leave-on overnight treatment: the hyaluronic acid keeps the skin comfortable and plump while the lactic acid works.
Sage Extract
Rich in antioxidants particularly rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that protect the skin from free radical damage during the renewal process. Purifying and clarifying, particularly beneficial for oily and congested skin types.
White Tea Extract
One of the most potent antioxidant botanicals in skincare higher in polyphenol content than green or black tea. It protects against environmental damage, soothes the skin during the renewal process, and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness and sensitivity that can accompany exfoliation.
How to Use It
Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening. Leave on overnight do not rinse. Use 1–2 times per week. Always follow with SPF the next morning.
- Start with once per week and increase to twice per week as your skin acclimates
- Do not layer with other acids or retinol on the same evening
- SPF the next morning is non-negotiable — freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage
- Pair with the Exosome & Niacinamide Serum on non-peel evenings the exfoliation improves the penetration and efficacy of the exosome actives on the nights that follow
What to Expect
Unlike medium or deep peels, The Reveal Peel does not produce visible flaking or peeling the exfoliation happens at the cellular level, invisibly. What you will notice:
- After the first use: skin feels smoother and looks more radiant by morning
- After 2–4 weeks: visible improvement in skin texture, tone, and luminosity; early reduction in pigmentation
- After 8–12 weeks: meaningful improvement in dark spots, fine lines, and overall skin quality
This is the nature of superficial exfoliation done correctly: consistent, compounding improvement that produces results that hold because the skin’s own renewal biology is doing the work.
Shop The Reveal Peel at Dr. Cris Studio →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel applies an acid to the skin surface to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating their shedding and revealing fresher, more even skin beneath. The Reveal Peel is a superficial AHA peel designed for weekly at-home use no downtime, no visible peeling.
Does The Reveal Peel cause visible peeling?
No. At 10% lactic acid with hyaluronic acid, the exfoliation is cellular and invisible. What you will see is smoother, more luminous skin by morning, with cumulative improvement in texture, tone, and pigmentation over weeks of consistent use.
How often should I use The Reveal Peel?
1–2 times per week. Start with once per week and increase as your skin acclimates. Always follow with SPF the next morning.
Can I use The Reveal Peel if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. Lactic acid is the most tolerable AHA for sensitive skin due to its larger molecular size and humectant properties. The addition of hyaluronic acid, sage extract, and white tea extract further supports tolerability.
Can I use The Reveal Peel with my other Dr. Cris Studio products?
Yes. Use The Reveal Peel on its own 1–2 evenings per week. On non-peel evenings, use the Exosome & Niacinamide Serum. Apply the Vitamin C Serum every morning with SPF.
Is this the same as an in-clinic chemical peel?
No in-clinic peels use higher concentrations and lower pH formulas that penetrate more deeply. The Reveal Peel is designed for weekly at-home use: consistent superficial exfoliation that produces cumulative results over time and maintains the skin quality achieved through in-clinic treatments.
Dr. Cris Andrade · Founder, Dr. Cris Studio · 455 Madison Avenue, Spa Level, New York, NY 10022 · (212) 347-4708